Emma Stone in Calvin Klein. Photo courtesy of Calvin Klein/Getty Images
Emma Stone steals The Luxe Lady Award for her sleek and chic peach number from Eva Longoria, who came in a close second in Zac Posen’s delicious dark drama dress.
Eva Longoria in Zac Posen. Photo: Getty Images.
Many style books fall shorter than a 1967 hemline when it comes to covering new info. That’s not the case with “The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men.” Janie Bryant offers a fresh and fun take on fit, personal expression and vintage clothes. This guide is sure to inspire even the most seasoned fashionista.
“Vintage instantly brings distinction to any outfit. It telegraphs an appreciation for the rich history of fashion.” – Janie Bryant.
It’s a bit brisk today so I’ll break out the cold-weather beauty tips to keep us looking and feeling hot.
1- Fragrance F.Y.I. – Perfume won’t linger as long on dry, winter skin. For a lasting effect, be sure to moisturize your body (and pulse points) before spraying or dabbing it on.
2- Static Status - Dryer sheets work wonders for static cling on clothes. Tame your mane with a glossing cream or hair oil. If your worried about weighing down hair, try this trick instead. Spritz hairspray on your palms and then gently smooth down those flyaways. Frederic Fekkai’s line has it all – cream, gloss and spray. I love that it’s all available at Target now.
3- Cheek Check - Powder blush can streak on dry skin. Switch to a cream formula for the winter months. You can layer it with a powder blush for extra staying power. I’m a fan of Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Color.
4- Lip Service – Keep your smoocher smooth. When the weather is far from balmy, it’s time to break out the lip treatments. Layer a balm, such as Burt’s Bees, under lipstick as a primer and protector.
5- Nail News – Hands down the least expensive cuticle treatment is in your kitchen cabinet. Rub a little olive oil onto your frostbitten nails to smooth those dry, ragged cuticles.
Tis the season for lack of sleep. All the holiday hoop-la may be taking a toll on your sparkle. Let’s add the festive glow back to your face. Here are five ways to apply the eight hours you didn’t get.
1. Water yourself – inside and out. Moisturize, drink plenty of water and do a hydrating mask at least once a week.
2. Rid yourself of red rims. Line the inner rim of lower lashes with a bone-colored eyeliner.
Laura Geller waterproof I-Care Brightening Eye Pencil
3. Pull a cat nap out of a compact. Smooth on a luminizer to brighten your entire face. It can be used over moisturizer or foundation.
Darac Beauty's Forgive Skin Perfecting All Over Luminizer
4. Highlight to distract attention away from dark circles. Pat in along the bone under the eye. Don’t rub it in or you’ll lose the product’s pa-pow.
Yves St. Laurent's Touche Eclat Radiant Touch
5. Scratch looking as fresh as a daisy. Go for fresh as a Dandelion with Benefit’s blush. Even during a 4 a.m. show at QVC, I can fake the glow of a gal who slept in. I lightly brush the product all over as if it were bronzer. It warms up my entire face in the most natural looking way.
Dandelion by Benefit
Please email me your questions. I can pick the brains of top celebrity makeup artists for you and answer on the blog.
Please note: These product mentions do not financially benefit me in any way. I’ve paid for and used all the above products. My reward is your glowing face.
Have you ever said to yourself, “I want to look so so today?” Of course not. Since we all want to look fabulous every day, we should only make room for fabulous things in our closets. Get rid of all your so so clothes. These applies to all categories. That means so so sweat pants go. Fabulous sweats stay. Boring black dress goes. Killer LBD stays. If it sort of fits, forget about it.
“But Susan, I may need those magenta satin pumps with dyed-to-match satin clutch from Kiki’s wedding (never mind it was so long ago she’s divorced and remarried.) No you don’t need them! I promise you’ll reach for a better pair. So stop the insanity and create space for the good – not the bad and the ugly. Get over the guilt of misspent money and move on to a closet that helps rather than hinders you getting dressed.
If you must, take a bite of these juicy colored Hunter boots available at Zappos.com.
Wellies, Hunter and Burberry have front row seating in all the finer department stores. It seems rain boots are suddenly all the rage. I prefer sunshine and stilettos. What are your thoughts, fellow luxe ladies?
Complimenting fellow moms on their sense of style is a sure way to win friends and influence people on the playground. When there’s mere minutes for dressing and the day involves finger paint, peanut butter and snot, it’s tempting to put on a pair of sweats and flip-flops.
When a mom slips on a sundress and gladiator sandals instead, it deserves resounding applause. She will no doubt appreciate your couture comraderie. Who else will offer positive reinforcement of her personal effort on a Monday afternoon? We dress for ourselves and other women because it’s fun and it makes us feel good. And, wouldn’t you rather find out where she scored those sandals than about her Timmy’s aptitude for the alphabet?
By this time of winter, my psyche, skin and hair stage a revolt. Dry winter air and frayed nerves have taken their toll. Studies reveal we need to take care of ourselves in order to take care of others. Last year, I slipped away for an overnight spa trip with friends. It was lovely, but oh so temporary. The effects of the massage were erased when I arrived home to bickering kids and a pile of laundry.
In order to reap real benefits we need a daily dose of spa-ahhh. It’s the cumulative effect that counts. But I don’t have the time or the money for daily trips to Spa La Ti Da. Why not invest in our own home spa? It’s time to take our daily routine to diva-inspired ritual. All you need is a few carefully chosen items and a good lock on the bathroom door.
To become more spa-like, most bathrooms just need a refreshing redo of paint, fixtures, accessories and linens. Choose colors that have a calming, soothing effect on you. What surroundings make you feel comfortable? If you envision a roman bath, invest in marble touches and sculptures. Create a Zen retreat with bamboo plants and whisper soft colors. Hoping for Hollywood drama? Include a glam mirror and satin slippers.
With cabinet space at a premium, potions and lotions are often visible. Transfer them to crystal decanters to create a less cluttered look. Get your towels out of the cabinet to create more storage for your new spa staples. Country girls can replace a boring metal towel rack with an antique ladder mounted to the wall. An étagère is a euro chic way to display towels. Speaking of towels, make sure yours are plush and absorbent. Shop for ones made with 100 percent Egyptian or Turkish cotton.
The right lighting enhances your spa space. Dimmers work wonders for creating a mood, as do candles. For safety purposes, I prefer the scented flameless variety. Lavender and vanilla are known for their relaxing effect.
Tune in the quiet music. Play whatever brings down your blood pressure. In touching all the senses, we can’t forget taste. Prepare fresh cut fruit, scones and green tea. For p.m. pampering, I prefer champagne (wine will do), strawberries and mini chocolates.
Stock up on your favorite products for facials, long lingering baths, hair care and body treatments. The Solitude spa shower wrap offers arm-free warmth, fabulous fit and access for applying body treatments. For luscious locks, leave in a hair treatment and wrap it up in a Turbie Twist. Both products are available at QVC.com.
I can’t send over Sven the masseuse with magic fingers, but I can suggest any of the HoMedics Shiatsu cushions with heat.
It’s grand opening time. No appointments needed and no tipping at your own Ooh La La Spa. Slip in and let cares slip away. Whether it’s for a half hour each evening or a weekly at-home getaway, make sure everyone understands you are unavailable. Do not answer the phone under any circumstances. And, absolutely no guilt is allowed. Why do we always feel guilty? All those psychologists can’t be wrong. Last but not least. Lock the door.
An expensive pair of red pumps is a wardrobe requirement if you expect to live well. I like a comfy pair of flip flops as much as the next gal, but sometimes you need to slip on more sophisticated footwear. I was reminded of this fashion fact of life this past Friday. I instantly elevated a simple black outfit when I put on my patent red peep toes. I was just trying to add a pop of color. It seems they do much more than that! Red heels have their very own lexicon and they were saying something loud and clear to my husband. Red shoes speak of sexy confidence and feminine style. If you want a foot in the door, a foot up in life and foot forward in a relationship, put on your red shoes and show off your pedicure and power.
For some red heel fun, click on these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-aBSh2-O5I
I’m an out of sight – out of mind gal when it comes to my jewelry. After I began stashing my necklaces and pins on a cloth-covered dress form, my style factor went up several points. It stands right by my closet for easy viewing when I’m choosing my outfit. I found my black dress form on Ebay. It has a pretty wood base that makes it more decorative, rather than strictly utilitarian. Do you have creative ways of storing accessories? Send them to me and I’ll share here.
